Gay issues have not harmed Australian church

Debate on the ordination of homosexual ministers to the church reached a peak in Australia between 1996 and 2001

Arguments over gay ministers have not damaged the Uniting church in Australia, according to new figures on church membership.

The National Church Life Survey, which conducts research on connecting the church and the wider community, revealed that church congregations reduced more from the death of elderly members than any other factor.

Debate on the ordination of homosexual ministers to the church reached a peak in Australia between 1996 and 2001.